Question 1

What is baking?

Accepted Answer

Baking is cooking food by using dry heat, usually in an oven. It's a way to make tasty things like bread, cakes, and cookies.

Question 2

Why do cakes rise in the oven?

Accepted Answer

Cakes rise because of the ingredients that make bubbles when they get hot. Those bubbles expand and help the cake puff up.

Question 3

What does flour do in baking?

Accepted Answer

Flour gives structure to baked goods. It's like a skeleton that holds everything together.

Question 4

Why do we add eggs to cake batter?

Accepted Answer

Eggs help make the cake fluffy and hold the ingredients together. They also make the cake taste richer.

Question 5

What is the purpose of sugar in baking?

Accepted Answer

Sugar sweetens the batter and can help cakes turn a nice golden brown. It also keeps baked goods moist.

Question 6

How does baking soda work?

Accepted Answer

Baking soda makes bubbles when mixed with something acidic, like lemon juice, and helps the dough rise. It's like a tiny helper making the dough light and fluffy.

Question 7

What is yeast and why is it used?

Accepted Answer

Yeast is a tiny organism that eats sugar and helps bread dough rise by making gas bubbles. It also gives bread a yummy flavor.

Question 8

Why do we preheat the oven?

Accepted Answer

We preheat the oven so it’s the right temperature to cook things evenly. If it's not hot enough, your cake might not rise correctly.

Question 9

What does it mean to cream butter and sugar?

Accepted Answer

Creaming butter and sugar means mixing them quickly so they become light and fluffy. This helps trap air, which makes cakes softer.

Question 10

Why are cookies sometimes crunchy?

Accepted Answer

Cookies are crunchy because they have less moisture and are baked longer, so more water evaporates. This makes them crispy.

Question 11

What makes brownies chewy?

Accepted Answer

Brownies are chewy because they have more fat and sugar, which helps keep them moist. Less baking time helps, too!

Question 12

How does salt help in baking?

Accepted Answer

Salt enhances flavors, making sweet treats taste even better. A pinch can really make a difference!

Question 13

Why is it important to measure ingredients correctly?

Accepted Answer

Measuring ingredients correctly ensures the recipe works just right. Too much or too little can change the texture and taste.

Question 14

What does baking powder do?

Accepted Answer

Baking powder has ingredients that react with each other in the heat. This helps dough and batter rise and become fluffy.

Question 15

Why do we let dough rest?

Accepted Answer

Resting dough allows gluten to relax, making it easier to shape. If it's yeast dough, it also gives time for it to rise.

Question 16

How do ingredients mix together when baking?

Accepted Answer

Ingredients mix together when we stir, beat, or blend them. This spreads everything evenly for a smooth batter or dough.

Question 17

Why do some cakes need frosting?

Accepted Answer

Frosting adds extra flavor and sweetness to cakes. It also makes cakes look pretty and keeps them from drying out.

Question 18

What makes a pie crust flaky?

Accepted Answer

Pie crusts are flaky because of small bits of fat that melt in the oven. This creates layers that make the crust crispy and flaky.

Question 19

Why is timing important in baking?

Accepted Answer

Timing is key to make sure things are cooked just right. Too long or too short, and cakes or cookies might be dry or undercooked.

Question 20

How does temperature affect baking?

Accepted Answer

Temperature controls how fast things cook. Too hot or too cold can change the texture and look of baked goods.

The Science of Baking - 20 FAQs Explained Simply